Somalia flight ban hits miraa growers hardest

The Somalia government has
suspended all cargo and passenger flights into the country, dealing a
big blow to local miraa farmers.

In
a notice issued on Monday by the Federal Government of Somalia, miraa
imports from Kenya and Ethiopia were banned for 15 days starting from
1am yesterday after it confirmed its first case of Covid-19.

Nyambene
Miraa Traders Association (Nyamita) Chairman Kimathi Munjuri said no
miraa was exported to Somalia on Thursday, leaving them stranded with
about 50 tonnes of the commodity.

Governors
from Mandera, Wajir and Makueni have also suspended miraa trade, with
Isiolo governor Mohamed Kuti threatening to ban it if hygiene is not
observed.

Speaking to the Nation on the phone, Mr Munjuri protested the manner in which the suspension was effected, terming it malicious.

“For the last two days, we
have been trying to confirm the official position of the Somalia and
Kenya governments on the suspension of miraa trade, to no avail. They
issued a short notice at 4pm through pilots.

“We
were expecting they would notify traders in time. It seems we are the
first economic casualties of the coronavirus outbreak,” Mr Munjuri said.
He added that the association had written to the Ministry of Trade, the
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, the Kenya Airports Authority and
Ministry of Transport seeking information but they were yet to get any
clarification or the official position of the government on the matter.

Mr Munjuri also took issue with counties that were banning the sale of miraa.

“All this is happening despite the Government of Kenya not receiving any official confirmation of communication from Somalia. In north-eastern, we deliver 100 tonnes of miraa daily valued at more than Sh30 million while daily exports to Mogadishu are valued at Sh26 million,” he said.

Mr Munjuri said all miraa handlers were adhering to hygiene guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health.

He
called on the government to fast-track the release of miraa funds that
were meant to cushion farmers from the shocks of the troubles facing the
crop.

“The
government should urgently release the money meant to provide loans to
farmers so that they survive the hard times. We already have Saccos that
can receive the funds and lend to farmers,” he said.

He also urged the government to engage Somalia to ensure cargo flights resume, adding that they were ready to adhere to stringent precaution measures.